Whoever coined the phrase “Less is more,” had, clearly, never built an offroad vehicle. As we all know, one simple modification often turns into a months-long project, and a dash full of awkward and mismatched toggle switches.
The Process of an Offroad Build
For one quick moment, let’s think about the process of an offroad build. For some, the process starts with the purchase of a ‘project vehicle,’ which is typically an older model Jeep®, with only a few miles on the engine. For others, it starts with the purchase of a new vehicle that is already fairly capable, and the desire is to dress it up a bit, or build it to be a complete offroad beast, that can conquer any terrain they encounter. If you’re one who is starting with a new Jeep as your platform, you might order your vehicle with the Jeep® auxiliary switches, because it sounds like exactly what you need to avoid having an ugly dash with several off-road switches in your Jeep®. What you’ll actually get is ONLY FOUR SWITCHES, which are designed as On/Off, with no programmability to create the custom switch panel you want. If, instead, you install a Switch-Pros SP9100 or RCR-Force®12, you can have a fully customizable, fully programmable, all solid-state system that provides either 8 or 12 custom light switches for Jeeps® or any model/brand rig you are using as your build platform.
Or, maybe, you’re the enthusiast who is using a “junkyard dog” as your platform? This means that you are starting with either a heap of parts, or an older model vehicle, that needs some TLC, and you’re going to dump some money in to making it an adventure mobile? If this is the case, you certainly will need to some form of a switch pod or toggle switches in order to supply power to all the accessories you will add.
Either way, if your goal is to build a capable and fully decked-out 4-wheeling vehicle, lighting, lockers, and an air compressor will come into play in a big hurry. That’s where Switch-Pros programmable switch panel power systems will save you time and money on wiring. No longer are you stuck trying to create your own custom light switches for your Jeep®. Now, you can do a simple installation of one of our 8 switch panels, or a 12 switch panel, and eliminate the work of running relays and fuses for every circuit.
Let’s ponder that concept for a moment. Old school wiring methodology said that, for every circuit, you must wire a relay and a fuse. Think about how much time and expense that requires! For every light bar, pod, a-pillar light, rack light, whip, locker, or compressor, you had to wire additional equipment in-line, to make a simple On/Off connection. That didn’t even provide you specialty capabilities such as making those lights flash, strobe, or come on as a momentary switch.
LED light Switch Panel
Now, consider, if you will, an LED light switch panel that is fully programmable, and customizable to your specific rig build. Do you want to dim the brightness of your light bar when you are using it as camp scene lighting? That can be done. Do you want your a-pillar lights to have a momentary (press-and-hold) action? That, too, can be done. Do you want your tail lights to act as turn signals, with a beacon-style flash pattern? That’s an easy one! How about the ability to have your compressor come on, as soon as you power your vehicle up? And, the ability to have your locker switches illuminated, and integrated into a backlit, compact, touch panel, right alongside your other jeep® switches? Done!
Every Switch-Pros switch panel power system offers all of the capabilities, mentioned above, as well as countless other functions. Simply download our free app, which is available for iOS and Android platforms, and configure your switches to suit your specific needs. The app will walk you through the various options, page by page. See our installation guides for step-by-step instructions on all the cool and useful functions our systems deliver. Links to our Installation guides:
- SP9100 8-Switch Programmable Switch Panel Power System (PDF)
- RCR-FORCE 12 – 12 Switches, 17 Outputs – Programmable Switch Panel Power System (PDF)
We all know that size matters. Our Switch-Pros systems are engineered with the knowledge that Jeeps®, specifically, have nominal vacant space in the engine bay. Finding space for a bulky relay/fuse box is next to impossible, not to mention that those are not waterproof and are subject to damage from water and mud. Our SP9100 eight switch/eight circuit system, with a power module measuring only 3”x6”. This IP67 rated module that is rated for temperatures between -40 and +125 Celsius, and is simple to install. And for the interior, it’s a 2”x4” illuminated touch panel, offering membrane style switches, that can be mounted almost anywhere in the cab. We even offer mounting solutions for the most common Jeep® applications: a driver’s side pillar mount for JL and JT Jeeps®, an a-pillar replacement mount for JK models, and an overhead (between the visors) mount, also typically used in JKs.
If you’re looking for something that offer more switches, and you have a bit more space, our RCR-Force®12 is the product for you. With the power module measuring a little more than 3.5”x7”, and the touch panel measuring 3”x4”, this system offers everything that the SP9100 offers, but with the addition of 4 more switches AND 9 additional circuits. That means, the touch panel offers 12 switches, and the power module supports 17 circuits. Why more circuits than switches? Because many of us have multi-function lights and we need an On-On-Off functionality. What does this mean in practical application? It means that if you have a light bar with a background color, you can turn that background on separately from the white foreground, but only use up one of your switches for both. This function takes the place of a three-position rocker switch. With regard to mounting this touch panel, again, we know that space for dash switches is minimal, so the RCR-Force®12 can use the same JL/JT pillar mount as the SP9100.
One last thought: Our switch panel power systems are completely customizable to YOUR rig. The systems come programmed, from the factory, with default settings, but can be personalized to your specific set up and accessories. The touch panels are shipped blank, and you add the polycarbonate legends (100 are included in every kit) to represent your particular accessories. You’ll have either 125 amps, or 150 amps to work with, depending on the system you choose. Everything necessary for installation is included, and all systems have Bluetooth® capability built-in, with no additional cost for the functionality. Simplify and streamline your Jeep® switches project with Switch-Pros systems.
